Press release from the 139th Cabinet session

At today’s 139th session, chaired by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, the Government adopted the Draft Law on Digital Radio Broadcasting, together with the Report on the public consultation. The adoption of this law was envisaged by the Media Strategy of Montenegro 2023–2027, with the aim of creating the prerequisites for introducing digital radio in Montenegro and implementing the DAB+ system. During the discussion, it was noted that the new law will create a favourable environment for the further development of digital terrestrial television services (DVB-T2) and establish the conditions for the implementation of the first national multiplex for T-DAB+ technology. The proposed legislation will also ensure full alignment with the EU acquis.

The Government adopted the Decision on an allowance to basic salary for performing duties at certain positions. The Decision has been aligned with the new organisational structure prescribed by the Regulation on the Organisation and Manner of Operation of the State Administration and with the new internal organisation and job classification acts. The previous Decision had been amended eight times over the past two years in what was described as an unsystematic and selective manner, resulting in the undermining of one of the fundamental principles of the Law on Salaries of Employees in the Public Sector, concerning equal pay in the public sector for the performance of the same or similar duties and positions requiring the same level or sub-level of qualifications.

The Government adopted the Decision on temporary measures to limit pellet prices. Under the Decision, the retail price of pellets is capped at a maximum of €250 per tonne for A2-class pellets and €270 per tonne for A1-class pellets.

The Government adopted the Public Financial Management Reform Programme for 2027–2031. The overall objective of the Programme is to establish a sustainable, transparent and accountable public financial management system in Montenegro that ensures sound fiscal management, efficient use of public resources and alignment with European Union standards. To achieve this objective, the Programme’s reform activities are organised around four functional pillars of the public financial management system: budget execution, accounting, monitoring and financial reporting, and effective financial control. The Programme is aligned with Montenegro’s broader strategic and socio-political framework, including fiscal planning documents, public administration reform priorities, the Reform Agenda under the European Union Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, as well as obligations arising from the EU accession process. Public financial management reform is linked to public administration reform, particularly in the areas of strengthening institutional capacities, improving policy coordination and increasing the efficiency of public administration. The Programme is also aligned with the Fiscal Strategy. It incorporates horizontal public policy priorities, particularly those related to environmental protection and gender equality, in line with Montenegro’s national strategies and obligations towards the EU, as well as with key components of sustainable public finances.

The Government adopted the Information on the rescheduling of the loan obligations of the Municipality of Ulcinj under the Agreement on the On-Lending of Loan and Grant Funds for the implementation of the Water Supply and Wastewater Collection and Treatment Project in the Coastal Region – Phase V. The loan amounts to €20 million and forms part of a €36 million loan from KfW for the implementation of the water supply and wastewater management project in the coastal region. Under the agreed repayment schedule, the Municipality of Ulcinj was required to begin repaying the loan in June 2021. However, due to financial difficulties and slower-than-expected project implementation, the Municipality was unable to meet its obligations. The Ministry of Finance and the Municipality of Ulcinj agreed to reschedule obligations relating to the undisbursed maturity amount (€2.69 million) and the undrawn portion of the loan (€7.76 million), totalling €10.45 million. The rescheduling will be implemented through the conclusion of an Amendment Agreement to the Agreement on the On-Lending of Loan and Grant Funds to the Municipality of Ulcinj. Apart from changes to the repayment schedule, the Amendment Agreement will not introduce any other changes. The proposed rescheduling model aims to enable sustainable repayment of the loan obligations, continued fiscal consolidation of the Municipality of Ulcinj and the uninterrupted functioning of local government, without altering the underlying contractual relationship with the lender.

The Government adopted the Information on the need to terminate the agreements regulating visa-free regimes with the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Türkiye, as well as the need to initiate the conclusion of a new agreement with the Republic of Türkiye for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports. As part of the EU accession process, Montenegro is required to fully align its visa policy with that of the European Union. To this end, on 23 July 2026, the Government adopted the Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Visa Regime, stipulating that, as of 1 November 2026, nationals of the aforementioned countries will require a visa to enter, transit through and stay in Montenegro. Given that these matters are also regulated by international agreements concluded by the Government of Montenegro, steps need to be taken to terminate the agreements with these countries. At the same time, with regard to the Republic of Türkiye, it is necessary to initiate the procedure for concluding a new bilateral agreement regulating a visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports, in order to ensure, to the greatest extent possible, continuity of visa-free travel for these categories of passport holders, in accordance with the EU acquis in the field of visa policy, which allows Member States to provide for exemptions from visa requirements.

The Government adopted the Information on the results of the call for expressions of interest under the implementation of the Agreement between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in the Implementation of Strategic Projects. The first projects identified as being of strategic importance are the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor, a strategic infrastructure project integrating transport, energy and digital infrastructure with the aim of improving Montenegro’s regional connectivity, and the National Project for an Integrated Cargo Scanning System and Border Control Modernisation, aimed at strengthening customs capacities, improving the efficiency of goods controls and enhancing border security. On 24 August 2026, calls for expressions of interest for these projects were published on the website of the Embassy of the United States of America in Montenegro, targeting US companies with the aim of identifying companies with the relevant experience and capacities that are interested in participating in the further development of these projects. Six US companies expressed interest in the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor project, while one company expressed interest in the National Project for an Integrated Cargo Scanning System and Border Control Modernisation. In view of the expressed interest and the need to continue activities related to the implementation of the Agreement and further development of the projects, it was deemed necessary to ensure appropriate institutional coordination and monitoring of their implementation through the establishment of Commissions. The Government of Montenegro and the Government of the United States of America signed the Agreement on Cooperation in the Implementation of Strategic Projects on 24 July 2026 in Washington, D.C.

The Government adopted the Information on the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro and the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro on the implementation of the initiative “Preparing the Montenegrin Economy for EU Membership”, together with the Draft Memorandum. The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation aimed at improving the business community’s access to information on the changes and opportunities arising from EU membership, strengthening companies’ capacities to operate in the Single Market, promoting European standards and improving access to information on EU programmes, funds and financial instruments. At the same time, the Memorandum aims to foster a more direct dialogue between the business community and institutions on issues relevant to the competitiveness of the Montenegrin economy in the accession process. To this end, thematic events are planned on issues of direct relevance to businesses, including the Single Market, exports, standards and certification, the green and digital transition, development financing, the labour market, public procurement and sectoral policies. Cooperation will also include the exchange of experiences with EU Member States, as well as educational and promotional activities aimed primarily at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Government determined the Draft Amendments to the Draft Law Amending the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, which further specify the proposed legislative solutions in line with the recommendations of the European Commission.

The Government adopted the Information on the signing of a Project Agreement for financing the Railway Infrastructure Improvement Project on the Golubovci–Bar section, to be concluded between the Ministry of Transport, Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro AD Podgorica and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, together with the Draft Project Agreement. With a view to improving railway infrastructure and modernising the Vrbnica–Bar railway line, the Ministry of Transport was awarded grants totalling €112,620,642 through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The funds are intended for the reconstruction of approximately 39.6 km of open railway line between Golubovci and Bar stations, 17 km of station tracks and 6 km of shunting tracks, up to 10 railway stations and stops, up to 11 bridges, signalling and safety and telecommunications systems, as well as the overhead contact network and electric traction facilities on the section between Bar and Podgorica.